The Mark of the Salamander (The Island of Angels #1) by Justin Newland | Book Review ~ Giveaway ~ Guest Post from the Author | #HistoricalFiction #Adventure #MagicalRealism | @iReadBookTours @JustinNewland53 @justin.newland.author @drjustinnewland
A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.
Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me with the information for this tour. 
Book Details
The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland
Series: The Island of Angels #1
Published by The Book Guild on September 8, 2023
Genres: Adult Fiction 18+, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 256
Source: iRead Book Tours1575: Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder.
Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind. Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself.
Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hoards of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.
The Mark of the Salamander is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.
Content Rating: PG-13 +M. Mild sex and cruelty. Mature themes.
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Book Trailer
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Purchase Links for The Mark of the Salamander
Amazon-OneLink for all countries
Book Guild ~ WHSmith ~ Bookshop (UK) ~ Brownsbfs ~ LoveReading ~ Waterstones ~ Google ~ Agenda Bookshop
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My thoughts on The Mark of the Salamander
“The Mark of the Salamander” by Justin Newland takes readers on a gripping historical adventure set in 1575. Fleeing religious persecution, Nelan Michaels becomes entangled in a web of intrigue, accused of murder and forced onto the Golden Hind with Francis Drake. The novel seamlessly weaves in paranormal and mystical elements, particularly through Nelan’s exploration of the Mark of the Salamander, a mysterious spirit of fire.
Newland’s well-researched narrative provides a rich backdrop of the Elizabethan era, with a focus on Queen Elizabeth, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the historical context. The portrayal of Francis Drake and the Golden Hind is masterfully done, immersing readers in the maritime world and evoking a vivid sense of being aboard the ship.
Nelan emerges as a captivating protagonist, navigating mutiny, encounters with ancient tribes, and the pursuit of treasure. His journey unfolds against the tapestry of England’s coming of age, making “The Mark of the Salamander” an incredible start to The Island of Angels series. The book successfully combines historical depth, paranormal intrigue, and compelling characters, ensuring an engaging and immersive reading experience.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
I’ve featured Justin Newland’s work on the blog before, and I’m sure I will again. Take a look at:
The Old Dragon’s Head by Justin Newland
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I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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About Justin Newland
JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. His stories explore the themes of war and religion, and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe.
Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.
The historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.
The Coronation (Matador, 2019) was another historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.
The Abdication (Matador, 2021) is a mystery thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.
The Mark of the Salamander (Book Guild, 2023) is the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it’s an epic tale of England’s coming of age.
His work in progress is the second in the series, The Midnight of Eights, the charting of the uncanny coincidences that led to the repulse of the Spanish Armada.
Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin appears on LitFest panels, gives talks to historical associations and libraries and enjoys giving radio interviews and making podcasts. Born three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.
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Guest Post from Justin Newland, author of The Mark of the Salamander
Now let the story begin.
And it has been said Ex Insula Angelorum
Out of the Island of Angels.
For always was it so and always thus to be.
Something passed, a sound, a leaf falling. A glimpse, a deer passing.
We were there at the birth, when, long ago, the land was pristine, latent, swathed in forests of silver birch, and golden oak. We looked around with the eyes of youth, and were alone.
But without people, we couldn’t grow, and the land was empty of people.
Together, we sought out those of kin to abide with us, to join our combined destiny. We called out to them and so the Mighty crossed the land bridge and settled amongst our rolling hills and gentle dales.
Then, when the waters encroached, and made our land an Island, the first ones, the Mighty, dwelt with us amidst the meadows and the combes.
They built altars where their white-robed priests laid the dead in burrows and tombs.
We needed more people, and sent out another call, a subtle whisper summoning them to attend us.
From across the waters came the warriors dressed in red, brandishing their eagles, to plant their terrible seed in our womb. They built roads that followed our sacred lines of power. Then they departed, leaving the awful trace of their crimson ways.
More heard our siren call, and came to join the other rough-hewn folk already here, creating a family of blue and green eyed, red and golden haired. Hearing our summons, they left their homes and sailed across the northern seas in their long boats and their short swords. They were the true people, the Angles to our Angels.
Like any child, we wanted to grow, imagine our possibility, and discover our divinely-given destiny. Alas, the family of peoples who had settled on our Island was unable to meet our vision of the future.
As we grew into maturity, we changed, developed, and reformed ourselves again.
The prominent families fought for the right to be the rulers of our land, to represent our new, emerging will, our supreme purpose. It was war. As the petals of their red and white dog roses fell to the ground and withered, there came to the throne a queen of a thousand days, who gave birth to a chosen one. Wearing pearls, the chosen one abided with us, and together we served the people.
During her reign, we made ourselves anew, and moulded our peoples to face and join the mystery of the onsetting future. The renewal had begun.
But from across the seas, a great threat cast a dark shadow across the Island.
Its gold constriction could and would never set foot on our silver land.
Make beacons.
Send fire ships.
Pray deacons.
Purse lips.
We will be known to the world.
Every one of you knows of us.
Many speak our tongue.
For we are near among.
We are you, and you are us and
We are the Angels of the Island of England.
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Easy Amazon Links
Amazon-OneLink for all countries
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
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Giveaway!
Win an author-signed copy of THE MARK OF THE SALAMANDER by Justin Newland (one winner)(one internationally) (ends Dec 4)
Please visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for The Mark of the Salamander
Full Tour Schedule:
Nov 1 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight / book excerpt
Nov 1 – Leanne Bookstagram – book review
Nov 3 – JB’s Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book spotlight / gust post / giveaway
Nov 3 – The Sexy Nerd Revue – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 6 – Country Mamas With Kids – book review / book excerpt
Nov 7 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 8 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / book excerpt / giveaway
Nov 8 — FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 13 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 14 – Lady Hawkeye – book spotlight / guest post / book excerpt / giveaway
Nov 15 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / guest post / book excerpt / giveaway
Nov 16 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / author interview / book excerpt / giveaway
Nov 17 – Books With a Chance – book review / book excerpt / giveaway
Nov 21 – Ilovebooksandstuffblog – book spotlight / book excerpt / giveaway
Nov 24 – fundinmental – book spotlight / author interview / book excerpt / giveaway
Nov 27 – The Momma Spot – book review / book excerpt / giveaway
THE MARK OF THE SALAMANDER Book Tour Giveaway
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Book Title: The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 246 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction and Magical Realism
Publisher: The Book Guild
Release date: September 2023
Tour dates: Nov 1 to Nov 27, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 +M. Mild sex and cruelty. Mature themes.
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This looks like a great book. Thanks for hosting
This sounds like a very different piece of historical fiction that I am not familiar with. Nice review and post Gina. I am definitely intrigued by this story.
Hey Gina, great to stop by your blog, and thanks for your kind, considered and thoughtful review of my book.
Best wishes, Justin.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Justin. I hope you have a fabulous tour.